NNSA participates in port security exercise

Representatives from 23 federal agencies, including NNSA, recently observed emergency response drills in Washington State’s Puget Sound. The full-scale exercise was designed to prevent and respond to a simulated small vessel radiological/nuclear smuggling scenario. It was part of the Puget Sound Area Maritime Training and Exercise Program led by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound.

The full-scale exercise comprised two scenarios: a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device on a Washington State ferry and radiological/nuclear smuggling on a small vessel. Dick Pappas of NNSA’s Office of Second Line of Defense observed the drills and full-scale exercise. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory provided technical support for the specialized detection equipment, training, drills, and exercise.

The Small Vessel Preventative Radiological/Nuclear Detection effort began as a Department of Homeland Security Domestic Nuclear Detection Office pilot in 2007. The continued initiative is now funded via port security grants with the Seattle Fire Department as the regional grantee.

About the photos:(left) Dick Pappas (left) observes a joint U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection boarding team during drills in Sequim Bay, Wash.(right) Law enforcement members detain a “threat vessel” during a port security simulation exercise.